Eye Center of Rockies now in Eagle

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EAGLE, Colorado - Ophthalmologist Dr. Matthew Ehrlich of Eye Center of the Rockies has moved his office and practice to a new, larger location at 232 Broadway in Eagle. The new location also includes a full optical center for glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.

The move comes on the heels of unprecedented growth in demand for more advanced ophthalmology treatments and services in Eagle County and the surrounding area. Eye Center of the Rockies offers a full complement of medical services, including eye exams and screenings, eyeglass prescriptions, LASIK laser and cataract surgery, eye cancer diagnosis and treatment and cosmetic eyelid procedures.

In July of 2012, Dr. Ehrlich became one of the first independent surgeons to take advantage of the new Edwards Surgery Center, enabling him to perform all of his surgical procedures locally, allowing patients to schedule their surgeries much closer to home, requiring far less logistical planning and time commitment.

In addition to the medical offices, the new Eye Center of the Rockies site is home to a complete optical shop, enabling patients to satisfy their optical needs in the same location. The shop carries an array of frame styles, performance sunglasses and contact lenses along with a full time technician to assist in selection and fitting. Sunglass and frame brands include Gucci, Liz Claiborne, Ray Ban, Nike, Flexon, Coach and many more.

"We're pretty excited about our move and the new optical shop," Ehrlich said. "This is the final piece of the puzzle. Along with the new Surgery Center, we can now offer our patients every service they'll need right here in the Valley. We are always here and can provide everything, from initial consultation and exam to their prescriptions and actual corrective procedures, if needed, along with all follow-up, locally. We feel this is a great benefit to our patients."

When Ehrlich first arrived in Eagle four years ago, he knew there was a need for a full time ophthalmologist in the area. While there were several optometrists providing eye care, eyeglasses and contact lenses, there were no medical doctors in the area specializing in all aspects of eye care, including detection and prevention as well as medical and surgical treatments of eye disorders.

Following medical school, Ehrlich trained at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, followed by a fellowship at UCLA's renowned Jules Stein Eye Institute. Before moving to Colorado, Ehrlich opened and maintained a successful practice for 13 years in southern Florida, where he performed over 12,000 cataract procedures. He also served as an FDA investigator performing the surgeries that led to approval of one of the top cataract replacement lenses in use today.

As word spread that comprehensive, full-time ophthalmology services were finally available closer than Denver or Grand Junction, Ehrlich began to get calls and patients from Eagle and Lake Counties, west to Garfield County, east to Summit County and even north to Meeker and Craig.

The Eagle location is complemented by an office in Glenwood Springs, where Ehrlich treats a rapidly growing base of patients west of Glenwood Canyon. It also puts him closer to the surgical facilities in Glenwood Springs and Rifle.

According to Erin Bly of Eye Center of the Rockies, the new office more than double the space from the previous Eagle Clinic location and includes additional exam rooms, more lab and storage area as well as a more spacious waiting area.

"This should significantly streamline our services and operation to the benefit of our patients," she said. "This means shorter wait time for an appointment to see Dr. Ehrlich and with the extra rooms, more privacy for patients and for staff to perform vital services within the practice."

When asked about the impact his patients have had upon the decision to expand, Dr. Ehrlich credited his patients' loyalty as the overriding factor.

"Since the day I arrived, patient support has been simply overwhelming. Everyone here strives to provide the highest quality of service, from setting up the appointment to every procedure we perform, whether it's a basic exam or the most complicated procedure. ... We've been blessed to have patients show their confidence in referring us. Those referrals are driving this growth and the need for more space. We look forward to continuing to provide quality eye care to all of our current and new patients."

For more information on services or to set up an appointment call 970-926-7773 or go to EyeCenterRockies.com.